Teen remains hopeful after sustaining brain injury

ELKMONT, AL (WAFF) -

Many families are fans of football, but for one Elkmont High school freshman, the sport nearly killed him. Last August, 15 year old Quentin Wise's dream of playing football was suddenly taken away.

During practice, Quentin was hit during a play. His mom, Tona Underwood said it instantly changed his life.

Underwood said,"He got hit by three seniors, one was right here in the front of the head, one was in the back of the head and one was on the side, so he got sandwiched. he didn't even have the ball, it was like a fake up the middle."

After practice, Quentin fell over in the locker room. The team trainer told Tona to keep a close eye on him because the hit may have affected his speech. That evening, Tona took Quentin to the hospital, but he was sent home. The next day, she took him to see a neurologists and was admitted to the hospital for a week. Several tests showed he suffered major brain and nerve function. His speech, vision, hearing and his balance was affected. Doctors said his symptoms were similar to Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Quentin said,"Everything is kind of mixed together. I remember treatments and going to Birmingham, and I can remember things on certain days but I can't remember which one came first."

After months of treatment, Quentin can walk again. His hearing and speech have gotten better but he's still relapsing. Tona has taken him to see doctors at Vanderbilt, in Birmingham and in Huntsville, but they all suggested she take him to see specialist at the Mayo Clinic. She's hoping to raise enough money during a benefit yard sale for plane tickets and hotel accommodations.

Doctors tell Quentin he may never fully recover, but he said he's thankful to have family and friends to help him.

The fundraiser will take place May 19 at Limestone Community Care. It starts 7 a.m. For more information, contact Tona Underwood at (256) 431-0963.

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Teen remains hopeful after sustaining brain injury